A group of young Iraqi participants standing on a stage at the Worldwide Mental Arithmetic Competition in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: INA
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq won the World Championship title in the Worldwide Mental Arithmetic Competition (WAMAS 2026) held in Turkey on June 29 and 30.
The worldwide tournament was completed in late June 2026, with over 500 top participants from top-ranked countries, according to the state-run news agency (NA).
The young and energetic Iraqi team edged out competitors from traditionally renowned nations in the competition, including China, Japan, Russia, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
This continued success solidifies Iraq's place as a competition leader, building on past world championship triumphs at WAMAS Dubai 2025 and successive triumphs in previous editions.
The Iraqi Ministry of Education lauded the team’s extremely competent management under international coach Shahd al-Rubaie.
WAMAS 2026 showcased the remarkable performance of Iraqi youth Musa Abdul-Rahman, who secured first place despite facing challenges associated with autism.
Last year, Iraq made a major achievement by becoming the world champion in the Worldwide Mental Arithmetic Competition (WAMAS—Dubai 2025).
The chairman of the World Association of Mental Arithmetic Schools (WAMAS), Gulzhan Rapikovna Berdibekov, told INA earlier that the association is proud of Iraq’s participation, as the brilliance of the Mesopotamian people and their deep-rooted civilization is not surprising.
In the competition, students need to solve a large number of mathematical problems in a period of time that does not exceed ten minutes.
The annual WAMAS competitions are held to motivate students, so each mental arithmetic school can show the achievements of its students on the world stage.